27 Dresses
Director: Anne Fletcher
Rated: PG
Now screening


Despite well-worn formulas romantic comedies have enjoyed a recent surge in popularity. In this tough new century it seems that old fashioned storytelling strikes a nostalgic cord for audiences. '27 Dresses' may adhere to these qualities, but it has a welcome edge that holds until the end. A predictable script may be a double-edged sword, but it's one this film ensures is razor sharp in between romantic interludes.

Jane (Katherine Heigl) has been the bridesmaid 27 times, but never being the bride. Harbouring a secret crush on her boss George (Edward Burns), Jane hopes to break her wedding hoodoo. After her sister Tess (Malin Akerman) arrives to visit, Jane is aghast when she finds that Tess has hooked up with George. Planning a wedding for her sister, Jane's attention is distracted by Kevin (James Marsden), a cynical wedding reporter who becomes fascinated by Jane's perpetual 'also ran' status. Amongst various mis-haps and dramas, Jane slowly realises that being second best in life is not always the best option.

A good romantic comedy is one that mixes the formula, but retains the essential elements that audiences like. '27 Dresses' succeeds due to its gentle mocking of wedding convention. Kevin is the films' 'devils advocate' attacking the idea of marriage, whilst still ironically writing puff pieces on the subject. Jane's rose coloured views on weddings of course clash with Kevin's cynical view leading to the pivotal 'clash of personalities'. The audience know what happens next, but the fun is in seeing how the writers differentiate the film from the multitude of romantic comedies.

Heigl and Marsden make for an engaging couple, with the all important chemistry being readily apparent. It's pleasing that after years of second tier roles, Marsden finally gets to be 'the groom' with a lead role. The rest of the cast do a fine job of making things actually funny rather than embarrassing, and after a wobbly first few minutes, the film settles into a relaxed groove that copies the fluffy carry on. The various wedding costumes are a kitsch delight, with the increasingly bizarre wedding ceremonies being great to watch.

The film won't win any awards but has a freshness that allows it to stand above the dreck of other comedies. Certain male audiences may run for the hills at the thought of seeing another rom-com, but '27 Dresses' is one that even they may be willing to sit through.

Patrick Moore